Where's J.Crew and What Have You Done With Her?

Apr 23, 2008 @ 1:10pm

I love J.Crew. My mom snuck me out of class to go to the store opening in Orlando, I bought my first winter coat at the Rockefeller Center store, and I wait in suspense for each new shipment of Favorite Boxers. But scrolling through the site recently, I worry that someone has replaced my favorite preppy retailer with an evil twin sister like in Double, Double Toil and Trouble. Here's why:

1. Yoga Clothes. Seriously? As Natalie points out, the Yoga trend died years ago, and more importantly, do J.Crew girls really do yoga? Don't you picture them in a spinning class, or on a tennis court?

2. Awkward Girl. This isn't a W spread, we swear. It's just a J.Crew model sitting in a most unflattering position, making this cute gingham frock look about as attractive as a t-shirt at Savers.

3. The Luggage Collection. No joke. Italian leather luggage, in white, orange and yellow no less, for $1200 to $2000. For a little more, you could buy Louis Vuitton (or better yet, Tumi plus a plane ticket to Paris).

I get it. J.Crew wants to play with the big boys of luxury - thus the fine jewelry, organza ball gowns, and now editorial catalogs and insane luggage - but taken as a whole, are they really selling all of this to the same customer? Don't pull a Gap on us now, there aren't enough Patrick Robinsons to go around.

--BRETT KANE

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 1:18PM

so just because the "yoga trend" died out years ago, we aren't allowed to do yoga and buy clothes anymore? it's pretty bad when you guys start to judge people on everything besides fashion. it isnt enough to buy the clothes, but now we have to take spinning class as well just because you picture it that way?

posted by Laia

Apr 23, 2008 1:29PM

JCrew is doing super well and they have re-branded themselves and their clothes slowly throughout the years and they have done super well, the way it should be. If it wasn't because of that, they wouldn't have made the faux-Balenciaga blazer that you were all swooning over last season.

They are still preppy, they're just more luxurious.

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 1:45PM

I agree with the previous poster discussing the supposed 'death' of the yoga trend. Even if the trend is dead (which seems odd to me since it was discussed on here just months ago that contributing members of the staff attended early morning yoga sessions) it will not affect my adherence to a yoga routine, nor my desire to purchase yoga clothing.

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 1:49PM

AND they're selling yoga mats! I agree it's watering the brand down a bit, but on the whole I like the clothing. The prices are getting a bit outrageous, though, given the quality. I have a J.Crew cardigan from at least a decade ago that still holds up; now with everything being tissue-thin, I feel I'm paying double for clothes that won't last nearly as long.

That said, I did just spend $90 on a "lightweight" COTTON cardigan... I was suckered in by the color...

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 2:05PM

they have cute stuff and it is generally good quality. holds up really well. so i'm thrilled they are making yoga clothes, since I love yoga. i grew up doing yoga and love that a lot of people "found" it when it got trendy a few years ago and have stuck with it.

posted by iloveyou

Apr 23, 2008 2:06PM

agreed 100%

posted by poseur

Apr 23, 2008 2:35PM

i think selling yoga focused clothes and just trying to get on the yoga train is different. that doesn't necessarily translate to nicely made yoga stuff. i'd rather go and buy from a focused retailer.

posted by maiabergman

Apr 23, 2008 2:41PM

Maybe they want to cut off the yoggies fans
because with those outfits...
I would stay at home...

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 2:42PM

I haven't shopped there for a long time but...What's wrong with J.Crew doing yoga clothes? I've been doing yoga for years not because it's trendy but because it makes me feel and look better. I'm not going to quit now that it's not trendy!? There is not a whole lot of cute yoga stuff out there so let them do it.

posted by threadtrend

Apr 23, 2008 2:42PM

Yes! The luggage. My goodness, when I saw that, I was flabbergasted. I mean it's cute, but sooooo pricey and impractical. Who on earth would put that on a conveyor belt?!?!?

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 3:19PM

I agree on the luggage. Actually, can ANYONE explain expensive luggage to me in this day and age? I've heard the argument that LV, for example, is tough to wear and tear, even with crappy airline service, but it also basically says "STEAL ME" all over the luggage ... Even first class can't protect your bags on that conveyor belt.

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 3:20PM

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 3:32PM

Yoga is a huge part of Indian culture. But, you know, glad to see it's just a trend to some of you here at the site. Obvi I was silly to think that Indian people might shop at J. Crew.

posted by Summer

Apr 23, 2008 3:59PM

I grew to love J Crew in college and STARTED doing yoga in my J Crew lounge pieces. I won't pay full price for it, but I'll totally wear it. Besides, have you all read how well LuluLemon is doing right now? Bully for J Crew, trying to get a small piece of that action.

As for the luggage, isn't it all carry-on size?

posted by Summer

Apr 23, 2008 4:08PM

As for the luggage, isn't it all carry-on size?

posted by Jac

Apr 23, 2008 4:18PM

The people here get offended about everything. Race stuff, political stuff (animal stuff), gender stuff, I get, but try not to act like someone offended the very essence of your soul by sggesting your exercise routine is over. Yoga as a trend is over, it can still have its faithful followers.

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 5:20PM

Jesus H, yoga people are always so pissy and defensive. This is why I spin and run and avoid yoga like the plague -- to release my annoyance at having to live in a city full of uptight, irritable yoga chicks. And stop poking me on the subway with your stinky mats while you are at it. Namaste, beetches.

Thank you, Brett.

A J.Crew Girl who has to buy workout gear at Stella McCartney for Adidas

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 6:14PM

I saw that exact picture on the J. Crew website this morning and had the same reaction.

posted by johnhenry

Apr 23, 2008 7:00PM

i wouldn't diss up "Savers", i work for their canadian counterpart and I've gotten a burberry trench, givenchy suit, dior shirts, YSL ties and tons of cashmere.Cut up Forever21 all you want, but watch what you say about my Value Village.

posted by guest

Apr 23, 2008 11:37PM

1. Yoga clothes: Who cares? Although not a certifiable trend anymore it still happens on a regular basis in studios everywhere. Get over it.

2.Awkward girl: What, she can live in your glossy copies of W but not in a jcrew catalog?

3.The luggage: Yes, ridiculously over-priced and impractical but what in the world of fashion isn't? Case in point, tights as pants (impractical) or those Longchamps totes that are so, so ugly and so, so overpriced. Better yet, the Marc Jacobs surrealist heel-less shoes. You can't even walk in those things.

I actually had the thought the other day that I was really liking whatever the jcrew stylist was doing. And their editorial, location themed shoots for their catalogs make flipping through them a little less mundane and a little more inspiring. Okay, maybe inspiring is going to far. I'll go with pleasurable.

P.S. I'm surprised it was the yoga clothes that set you over the edge - what about those cashmere leggings (?) from their Holiday catalog?

posted by neenersh

Apr 24, 2008 5:39AM

Maybe the luggage is a bit much, but not really seing a problem with yoga clothes. And if someone is stupid enough to spend 2000 on luggage from them, then let them. More Louis Vuitton for you. :) Some people don't want a little logo all over thier luggage. Little brand whore-ish.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2008 9:15AM

*sigh* I'm the third poster on this thread, and I feel no reason that I should defend myself, but I am anyway. Incidentally, yoga is not the only physical activity in which I take part. I also run (regularly. in normal brands like nike and such.), hike, swim... and even ride horses. I guess I just thought it was funny/odd/whatever that just months ago, it was discussed on this blog that there were yogis working at Fashionista. Then it was stated that it was over. Just bringing up the paradox.

posted by guest

Apr 24, 2008 10:10AM

Don't know where you live, but yoga is huge!! There are several studios on most blocks in the city. Many people do spin & yoga. Good for J.Crew doing yoga clothes. Thanks for the heads up!